Gas Cooktop

Are you deciding whether gas or electric is best for your cooking prowess? Well, if you like to cook like the pros (who doesn’t?) then you can’t go wrong with a gas cooktop powered either by natural gas or liquid propane.

First, determine if you have a gas line hookup (or LP tank setup) and a 120V outlet before extensively measuring your countertop space (leave space for lipping!). Most cooktops are designed for 24-inch-deep counters (from the back wall to the front of the counter), and range from 30-36 inches wide, with smaller stovetops ranging from 12-24 inches and larger sizes up to 48 inches.

Don’t forget to measure your cabinet space underneath—cooktop depths range from 19-22 inches.

The Benefits of a Gas Cooktop

Gas cooktops nowadays are vast improvements over old models—they have automatic pilot lights and electronic ignition now, which make them easier and safer to light.

The primary benefit of a gas cooktop is the precise flame control that’s easy to gauge as you cook your holiday feast or intimate dinner for two. Plus, gas cooktops cost much less to operate, so you end up saving in the long run.

Burner Power

So many burners, but which should you choose? Most cooktops have a variety of burner elements (one to six burners) measured in BTUs (British thermal units per hour).

• Power burners, or high-heat burners, output about 20,000 BTUs, which is helpful for complicated recipes.
• Large burners output around 12,500 BTUs so you can brown and sear meats more evenly.
• Medium-power burners generate about 9,000 BTUs for recipes that need slow, easy cooking.
• Smaller burners give out about 5,000 BTUs which works well for heating up sides or small pots of soup.

Some high-end models feature dual-flame burners, which stack two burners together so you can go from a small ring of flames on low temperatures to dual rings of fire for higher temperatures.

Be sure to look for sealed burners to keep food from clogging the burners!

Additional Gas Cooktop Features

Make cooking for your family easier with these key features:

• Downdraft venting vents smoke and odors downward, which is convenient for kitchen island setups.
• Simmer burners are vital for those more delicate recipes, plus they take out the guesswork.
• Additional accessories like wok rings, griddles, simmer plates, or deep fryers are perfect for expanding your cooking repertoire—go beyond the basics of eggs, spaghetti, and grilled cheese!
• Built-in griddles are perfect if you’re a breakfast savant. Nothing beats your pancake and bacon platter!
• Removable grills let you grill vegetables or cook delicate meats—become the master of the stovetop grill! Just make sure you have good ventilation if you’re grilling indoors.

Ready to Get Cooking?

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to browse our wide selection of gas cooktops from the brands you trust. Have more questions or want to learn how to breezily clean your cooktop? Give us a call for the expert help you can’t get anywhere else!